If you've been wondering about that dry patch of skin on your elbow, or perhaps you've noticed a change in shape or color on a mole, the doctor you want to see is now available at Naval Health Clinic Cherry Point (NHCCP).

Lt. Cmdr. Jerry Yuan, a dermatologist, is now "open for business" at NHCCP.

"Having a dermatologist on our staff is a great benefit for our beneficiaries," said NHCCP Director of Health Services Lt. Cmdr. Sean Leonard. "Now, instead of our primary care managers (PCM) referring our patients to Camp Lejeune or to a provider in town, they can be seen here. In most cases, Dr. Yuan will see the patients quicker than if they were referred elsewhere, and by keeping our patients in-house, we save the government money."

Patients will still need to be referred to NHCCP's dermatologist by their PCM.

"Primary care managers are the first line of defense against skin disease," said Yuan. "But when PCMs come across skin abnormalities that need specialized care, the patients will be referred to me."

Abnormalities and diseases such as eczema, psoriasis, acne, fungal infections and rosacea can make a person's life miserable due to scratching, flaking and unsightly rashes. These are just a few of the skin disorders Yuan sees on a daily basis, and are often manageable if treated properly.

According to Yuan, there are other conditions, such as basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma, and various skin cancers, that, if not detected and treated early, can lead to much more serious complications.

"Many basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas can be treated here in our clinic," he added. "First, we have to confirm what type of carcinoma it is, and that might involve having a sample sent off to the pathology lab. Once we receive the pathology report confirming the cells are cancerous, we can remove the cancer with a simple out-patient surgical procedure. Oftentimes, melanomas can be treated the same way. However, depending on the size and location of the cancer, I might have to refer a patient out for Mohs surgery, a procedure that spares the greatest amount of healthy tissue while also removing the cancer cells."

Yuan said the best way to treat skin cancer is to be vigilant about not getting it to begin with.

"I tell everyone that there is no safe amount of ultraviolet radiation," he cautioned. "Being outside and staying physically fit is important, but it's also important to protect yourself."

According to the dermatologist, we should all try to avoid sun exposure from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., when your shadow is the shortest and the sun's rays are the most intense. Use an umbrella. Wear long sleeves and wide brim hats. And of course, use sun screen ... a lot of it; every two hours, or more often if you're exercising and swimming.

"Make sure it is a broad spectrum sunscreen that protects against both, UVA and UVB rays with an SPF of at least 30," Yuan said. "And use plenty of it on your head, ears, nose and all exposed skin."

Dr. Yuan transferred to NHCCP, with his wife of one month, from Bethesda, Maryland. He expressed excitement to be at the new command and to be able to continue his service.

"I'm really looking forward to providing skin care to all our Marines and Sailors and eligible beneficiaries," he said. "It's going to be a challenge, but being able to set up a dermatology clinic is really exciting and a great opportunity."

For more news from Naval Health Clinic Cherry Point, visit www.navy.mil/